Back Laboratory and Diagnostics Advisor

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in Health, Education, Nutrition, Environment, Economic Development, Civil Society, Gender, Youth, Research and Technology– creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 60 countries, all 50 U.S. states and all U.S. territories.

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of: Laboratory and Diagnostics Advisor for an anticipated USAID Kyrgyzstan Bilateral Tuberculosis Activity. This is a five-year project expected to focus on locally generated solutions tailored to the TB response to patients and communities to address the diagnosis, treatment and prevention needs, addressing stigma and discrimination in Kyrgyzstan.

This position is subject to project award and funding.

Position Description:

The Laboratory and Diagnostics Advisor will be responsible for managing all laboratory diagnostic network strengthening activities of the project in the country; provide technical support to the Ministry of Health, National TB Program and stakeholders on developing or updating laboratory strategy, and will take the lead on planning and implementing activities to improve quality and performance of laboratory services.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and guidance to the laboratory and diagnostics component of the project in coordination with other project technical areas
• Work in close collaboration with national counterparts to provide the technical assistance required to fulfill national objectives and targets, especially these related to the laboratory network strategic plan, work plans and quality management system
• Provide technical support and mentorship in the planning, conduct, and reporting of assessments, audits for management systems as per national policies
• Provide advisory services to the national reference laboratories (NRLs) as well as other stakeholders on the development and implementation of continuous improvement initiatives to build laboratory capacity and quality with reference to ISO 15189 or other standards and requirements
• Provide technical and coordination support as needed for implementation of a quality assurance program on TB diagnostics for clinical laboratories
• Provide technical support in the implementation of diagnostic network strengthening activities such as specimen referral and transport system, laboratory information management system, data management and reporting, diagnostic connectivity and expansion and optimization of molecular diagnostic tools
• Provide onsite and on-the-job technical assistance to laboratories and others as required and requested as part of overall capacity building and continuous improvement schemes
• Provide expert advice in preparation of training materials, SOPs, job aids and deliver trainings to the laboratories
• Coordinate and support selection, procurement, distribution, and maintenance of laboratory supplies and instruments performing services and duties as needed
• Work with NRL leadership to enhance and oversee the TB diagnostic network, update the diagnostic algorithm and improve culture and drug susceptibility testing
• Provide technical assistance on establishing new TB diagnostics as they become available.
• Provide technical expertise regarding infection prevention control policies and biosafety and biosecurity measures in the laboratories
• Work with project management and technical teams in developing work plans, presentations and reports, and represent the project wherever required.

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s degree in microbiology or laboratory sciences, or its international equivalent, in biological sciences within a clinical or diagnostic discipline or specialty.
• At least 8 years’ experience working with TB or other infectious disease diagnostics and/or in laboratory systems strengthening
• Proven experience in laboratory quality assurance, quality control and audits or at least seven years in a senior laboratory management position required.
• Demonstrated ability and aptitude to perform quality assurance laboratory audits and assessments against accepted national and international standards and regulations
• Demonstrated creative problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated experience in training and mentoring staff and others
• Proven experience working with government officials, particularly the Ministry of Health is highly desirable, to support strategy development, implementation plans and decision making
• Experience in private sector laboratory and diagnostics is preferred
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; fluency in local language required

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Our values and commitments to safeguarding:FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.

Please click here to continue searching FHI 360's Career Portal.